AP - Christian leaders air views and differences and discuss issues in meeting with Obama ... Strategists say Obama begins general election campaign as favorite to win Iowa ... National Dems send help into traditionally GOP territories to trim losses, build bench

AP - Housing tracts in farm fields aren't the only odd sights showing up in spreading exurbs like this one north of Columbus. Democrats are venturing out here, too, giving the party hope it can win battleground states by at least diluting these local Republican strongholds they know they can't win outright.

Reuters - Some Southern Baptists feel they have no choice but to vote for a "liberal" in the November U.S. presidential election: presumptive Republican nominee John McCain.

AP - Senate Republicans blocked a proposal Tuesday to tax the windfall profits of the largest oil companies, despite pleas by Democratic leaders to use the measure to address America's anger over $4 a gallon gasoline.

Reuters - Republican candidate John McCain may have used his song in the U.S. presidential campaign, but veteran rock 'n' roller Chuck Berry has no doubt whom he wants to see in the White House next year.

AFP - From Iraq to diplomacy, via healthcare and jobs, the battle for the US presidency took shape Sunday with only two viable contenders left standing: Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

AFP - From Iraq to diplomacy, via healthcare and jobs, the battle for the US presidency took shape Sunday with only two viable contenders left standing: Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

AP - Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee put the squeeze on a politician at the North Carolina Republican Party convention, but in a good way.

AP - President Bush is considering new measures to help stimulate the battered economy, the White House said Friday as unemployment and oil prices soared and Wall Street sank. White House counselor Ed Gillespie said Bush's advisers are constantly looking at options for new economic proposals.

AP - With his Democratic foe now certain, Republican John McCain is deploying dozens of staffers into battleground states, boasting of improved fundraising and expanding his advertising into some of the most competitive terrain of the general election.

AP - President Bush is considering new measures to help stimulate the battered economy, the White House said Friday as unemployment and oil prices soared and Wall Street sank. White House counselor Ed Gillespie said Bush's advisers are constantly looking at options for new economic proposals.

AP - Senate Republicans on Friday blocked a global warming bill that would have required major reductions in greenhouse gases, pushing debate over the world's biggest environmental concern to next year for a new Congress and president.